Suzhou Super Hall
Suzhou ‘Super Hall’ is the landmark of Nobel Lake Park in Suzhou and serves as an education hub and conference center within the new Science City, designed to celebrate and foster innovation across all age groups and expertise levels, while providing citizens with a space for discovery, idea exchange, and contemplation.
‘Super Hall’ has two main purposes, education hub and exhibition center. These two functions are closely related but serve different audiences. As such, the program is divided along the two wings of the building. The Discovery Wing houses the visitor center functions such as the innovation hall, VR theatre, and exhibition spaces. The Knowledge Wing functions as a conference center with various types of convention spaces and the interactive education center.
The idea for the architecture comes from the 6 x 6-meter grid, the module which the ‘Super Forest’ is planned with. Like an eroding stone, the architectural grid structure dissolves into the forest canopy. In reverse, the forest seems to enter the building, as contemplation landscapes are paired with all interior spaces, creating a sense that one is always surrounded by green. Soaring columns allow for natural daylighting, while louvers reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain. The building’s layout facilitates passive ventilation, utilizing summer breezes from the lake and using conifer plantings as a shield against winter winds to the North of the architecture.
LOCATION: Suzhou
TYPE: Architecture
YEAR: 2023
STATUS: Competition
AREA:30,000m²